The International Cricket Council said it is yet to take a decision on moving the forthcoming Champions Trophy out of England but could shift the tournament elsewhere if England fail to tour Zimbabwe.
"At this moment of time, the tournament will be held in England. But things could be different if they failed to tour Zimbabwe as a country could pull out of a tour only on grounds of safety and security to players", ICC chief Ehsan Mani said at a joint press conference also attended by Board of Control for Cricket in India president Jagmohan Dalmiya and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahryar Khan.
Mani said the ICC could impose a fine of two millions dollars if any affiliated unit fails to honour its commitment of touring a country.
"We have a protocol that any country not going on a planned tour could be fined two million dollars. Persistent default could lead to suspension. We do have serious powers to deal with such a situation," Mani said.
Asked whether the ICC talked to the England Cricket Board on the issue, Mani replied: "The ICC is clear that the only criteria for a country to opt out of a tour was on the ground of safety and security of players. No other reason will be acceptable to the ICC."
On reports that the England Board is waiting for the Champions Trophy contract to be signed before taking a decision on touring Zimbabwe, he said there is no question of the ECB waiting for any contract to be signed.
"We want to hear from England on their decision."
Asked whether the ICC is contemplating moving the high-profile tournament, billed as the mini World Cup, to India as the BCCI is celebrating its golden Jubilee year, Mani said the proposal was not discussed.
"The ICC has not discussed this issue at all. Any decision that is taken will have the approval of the ICC's Executive Board, he said, adding "anything is possible".
BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya said whether England will tour Zimbabwe or not is a matter between the two respective Boards to sort out.
"It is a matter between the two Boards. When India could not tour Pakistan because the government had not given the clearance, the ECB wanted that the Indian Board should be banned. I just want to know what is their policy now," he said.
